Death Stranding 2 Could Have a Golden Opportunity Metal Gear Solid Didn’t

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If you’re someone who enjoys the peculiar, eccentric, and slightly unsettling, “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach” is one of the most eagerly anticipated games set to release in 2025. This fledgling series stands out distinctively and boasts numerous compelling aspects, but it’s undeniably linked to Kojima Productions, the innovative studio spearheaded by the renowned Hideo Kojima.

For those who’ve kept tabs on Kojima’s work, it’s clear that the launch of Death Stranding was much more than a studio debut – it marked Kojima’s return to the director’s chair since his high-profile departure from Konami, where he had been vice president for years. In this role, Kojima became renowned for his contributions to the iconic Metal Gear series, a franchise that some believe significantly influenced video games by making them more film-like and narrative-focused. Regrettably, Kojima had to relinquish control of the Metal Gear series before it was fully developed. He left Konami prior to the release of Metal Gear Solid 5, a game often criticized for being incomplete due to this circumstance. However, with Death Stranding 2, such an outcome seems unlikely.

Kojima Can Actually Finish Death Stranding, Unlike Metal Gear

Metal Gear Has Never Gotten a Real Ending, but Death Stranding Might

Given that Metal Gear Solid 5 remains incomplete and there’s no announced continuation for the Metal Gear series, it appears that several plot threads may remain untied forever. While the Metal Gear series has always been non-linear—with Metal Gear Solid 5 not being the most recent game chronologically—it’s notable that numerous thematic elements and significant subplots have gone unresolved in this final installment.

It’s quite unfortunate that the series met an abrupt end after nearly three decades on air, leaving loyal fans disappointed and yearning for more. However, since Kojima Productions holds the rights to Death Stranding, it seems unlikely that the intellectual property (IP) will meet the same demise as its predecessor. Moreover, while Kojima has some ideas for a third installment of Death Stranding, he currently doesn’t plan to develop another entry beyond the second one.

As a dedicated fan, I’d like to point out that Kojima hasn’t shut the door on passing the reins of the Death Stranding IP to someone else. However, it’s reassuring to know that any new creative lead would be hand-picked by Kojima himself, ensuring a more personal touch rather than the franchise becoming another corporate-controlled property. Unlike Metal Gear, it seems that Death Stranding could have a definitive end, something we never had the luxury of with Metal Gear.

Why Death Stranding Reaching Its End Point Is Important

As the story of “Death Stranding” concludes, whether that’s through “On the Beach” or another sequel not directed by Kojima, it promises an intriguing exploration of how a Kojima-created franchise comes to a close. The “Metal Gear Solid” series has always seemed ripe for continued development, with Konami seemingly waiting for the perfect moment following the disappointing release of “Metal Gear Survive”. While some may view this as a positive, there’s also a higher likelihood that without its original creative force, the series could be over-exploited and potentially diminished.

A well-crafted story requires a fitting conclusion, and this idea often leads to long-lasting film series and television programs losing their luster over time, being perceived as less impressive as they continue. When executed skillfully, an ending serves as a closure for the narrative, providing viewers with a sense of fulfillment regardless of whether it’s small or grand in scope. Although Metal Gear may never reach this point, there is still potential for Death Stranding.

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2025-06-03 14:35